Kentmere Veterinary Hospital

This small practice cannot handle anything other than the most routine care.Because Kentmere is not well equipped, tests are expensive and results take time. I paid $240 for bloodwork for my cat and waited more than 24 hours for results. more

As an out of state veterinary technician, I was appalled at the service my parents' pets received when I took them in for annual checkups here. Besides the fact that their prices are exorbitant, (just their comprehensive bloodwork panel is almost twice that of other vets in the area who use the same lab company) their lack of knowledge of even the most basic veterinary protocols is alarming. They seem to be completely unaware that veterinary medicine has changed at all in the last 30 years. They attempted to convince me that there was no need for bloodwork on either of our elderly pets due to the fact that they were acting normally, despite the fact that it is well known how well animals, especially cats, hide their symptoms. After taking both animals to another vet, they were both immediately diagnosed with illnesses that showed up on the bloodwork I had requested. It scares me to know that they would never had been diagnosed or received the treatment that they needed had I not been visiting during their exams. While I was there, I also found out that they do not even offer some routine vaccinations that are appropriate for their patients unless the client specifically requests them. When I asked them why my parents' outdoor, male cat who frequently comes home with nicks and scratches, had never received a feline leukemia vaccine, they could not give me an answer. They didn't even ask if we wanted an annual heartworm test for the dog, but were willing to give us prescription heartworm medication that can be FATAL when given to a dog who is already infected. I would NEVER recommend this ""hospital"" to anyone who wants their pets to receive appropriate care. more

I had an appointment this morning to fix my new stray cat, which I had to trap. The office rudely and unappologetically cancelled my appointment at the last minute saying they just got too busy. I tried to reschedule but they kept putting me on hold, for a total of about 30 minutes. When someone finally talked to me I asked them to tell Dr. Coogan that I was very unhappy about the situation. She replied, ""Dr. Coogan says if you are unhappy we will send you your chart."" I had been a customer of his for four years, spent probably a couple thousand dollars with him, and we had always had a amiable relationship. I have never been treated so horribly, it actually made me cry, which I am embarrassed to admit. more

We have three dogs and have been to several vets in the Wilmington area. I was referred to Dr. Coogan's practice from a friend who said Dr. Coogan was the only vet who actually listened to her regarding her suffering 14 year old dog who others wanted to continually operate invasively on. This practice, however, really evaluates the situation, offers advice and options, and even calls to check up on your pet! In the decade I have lived here no human Dr. has yet to do that. I also appreciate the no-frills waiting room - money is spent where it should be - on the service and care. more

On my first visit to Dr. Coogan with my dog, he listened to her symptoms, listened to her heart, and prescribed me (unnecessary) pills that cost $75, plus the office visit charge, of course. When she couldn't take the pills he gave her (she took one), they refused to credit my account. He then recommended a chest x-ray, which diagnosed her heart disease. That was the good part. However, when I dealt with his staff, they were unfriendly, unprofessional and unhelpful. After spending $500 for one office visit, the pills, a chest x-ray, and bloodwork, I could not ask the doctor any questions about her condition. I asked the lady at the front desk to have him call me and her response was: ""He's in surgery now, has appointments all day and I don't know when he'd be able to call you."" Then, when I went in the following day, Saturday, to pick up the one med he did prescribe (after requesting 5 minutes of his time during said phone call the day before), I was treated rudely, heard the office staff saying (in disgusted tones): ""I don't know -- she has questions for him or something,"" and left sitting there for 15 minutes, before I just decided to leave and find another vet. There was no ""he'll be with you in a couple minutes,"" or ""he'll see you between appointments."" I just sat there, feeling like an intrusive idiot! Also, during the infamous phone call, the lady actually said (in response to me saying I wanted to ask the doc why he isn't putting her on heart meds): ""It's going to get worse anyway, no matter what he does."" Nice. Pros: Properly diagnosed heart problem Cons: Unprofessional staff; unavailable doctor more

This small and unassuming practice KNOWS animals and their owners. They are practical, conservative, and offer the most individual care to pets. Animals needing hospitalization are cared for wonderfully, and the staff really gets to know your pet. Prices are more than competitive, and appointments have been very easy to get. They are also more than willing to give you phone advice if your animal's issue doesn't warrant a visit. Our main dealings have been with Dr. Coogan, who is simply terrific. This vet is located near the Augustine Cutoff and across from the restaurant Gallucios. Pros: The staff and docs are very experienced and are the tops! Cons: Very few. Do note that this is not a 24-hour emergency center. more